The Palestinian death toll from Israel's ongoing military offensive on the Gaza Strip has climbed to 73,246, with 173,727 others wounded since the war began on October 7, 2023, according to medical sources in the besieged enclave.

Health officials said hospitals across Gaza received the bodies of 13 Palestinians over the past 24 hours, while 18 others were admitted with injuries sustained in continued Israeli attacks.

Medical sources noted that, despite the ceasefire that took effect on October 11 last year, Israeli attacks have continued, leaving 1,123 Palestinians killed and 3,616 injured during the ceasefire period. Rescue teams have also recovered 800 bodies from beneath the rubble and previously inaccessible areas since the truce began.

The latest figures underscore the devastating humanitarian toll of Israel's military campaign, which has left much of Gaza in ruins. Entire residential neighborhoods have been flattened, while repeated bombardments have struck homes, schools serving as shelters, hospitals, refugee camps, and other civilian infrastructure, forcing the overwhelming majority of Gaza's population from their homes.

Medical officials warned that the actual death toll is likely to be significantly higher, as many victims remain buried beneath collapsed buildings or lie in areas inaccessible to rescue crews due to ongoing Israeli military operations and extensive destruction.

"A number of victims remain trapped beneath the rubble and in the streets, with ambulance and civil defense crews unable to reach them," medical sources said.

The collapse of Gaza's healthcare system, coupled with severe shortages of medicine, fuel, medical supplies, and clean water, has further complicated rescue efforts and the treatment of the wounded. Hospitals that remain operational continue to function under extreme pressure, with healthcare workers struggling to cope with the relentless influx of casualties.

Palestinian officials and numerous international humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that Israel's military campaign has created an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in the enclave. They have accused Israel of carrying out attacks that have caused widespread civilian casualties and massive destruction of civilian infrastructure, while also restricting the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.

Israel rejects allegations that it deliberately targets civilians, maintaining that its operations are directed against Hamas and other armed groups. Nevertheless, international legal bodies and human rights organizations continue to call for independent investigations into alleged violations of international humanitarian law committed during the conflict.

As bombardment and displacement continue, humanitarian agencies warn that millions of Palestinians in Gaza face worsening hunger, disease, and the collapse of essential public services, while thousands of families continue searching for missing relatives believed to be buried beneath the debris. (ILKHA)